WHEREAS, the Mapa General De Las Almas Que Administran Los Pp. Agustinos En Estas Islas Filipinas (1848) sets 1584 as the founding of San Nicolas (formerly known as Caluntian) as a visita of Laoag, and the Libro de Gobierno de la Provincia del Smo. Nombre de Jesus de Filipinas cites that in 1617, a "private definitory" ordered Caluntian to be separated from its mother pueblo of Laoag to become an independent pueblo under the name of San Nicolas - the inhabitants' favorite saint and acknowledged protector from natural calamities;

WHEREAS, the year 2017 marks the quadricentennial anniversary of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte as an independent pueblo or town;

WHEREAS, it is imperative to recognize the significant role of San Nicolas in Philippine history and national development and to mark this momentous year with fitting commemorative activities which will also promote San Nicolas' rich cultural heritage and creative industries;

WHEREAS, the quadricentennial celebration will strengthen and preserve the San Nicolenos' sense of historical identity;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare the year 2017 as the Quadricentennial Year of San Nicolas (formerly Caluntian), Ilocos Norte, as an independent pueblo or town.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.

Done in the City of Manila, this 5th day of December, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Seventeen.

(SGD.) RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE

By the President:

(SGD.) SALVADOR C. MEDIALDEA
Executive Secretary